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The Bill Reid Gallery presents Rez Erect: Native Erotica,
a fresh, playful, provocative insight into sensuality and sexuality.
The exhibition features works by 27 mid-career and internationally
recognized First Nations artists from the Northwest Coast and central
Canada.

In the words of Gwaai Edenshaw, "There have always been those in
our community who have shared a very different story, a complex and
nuanced narrative. Sex figures prominently in aboriginal stories across
the continent, as sexual humour, playful irreverence, spiritual
reverence, place names, morality tales or other meanings lost in time.
In my world, it's a safe bet that the laughter coming from that group of
grandmothers over there drinking tea is partly triggered by sexual
innuendo. We hope to carry on that tradition here - sexy, intelligent,
fun and provocative."

Rez Erect: Native Erotica is a powerful platform. Artists
draw their inspiration from diverse sources: the natural world,
language, oral histories, creation stories, ancient songs of love and
heartbreak, dance, ceremony, traditional foods, working with wood and
natural fibres. Works offer vivid glimpses of the artists' identities,
but do not necessarily reflect the opinions of everyone in their Nation.

"Artists share a passion for their culture, and strive to transform
public opinion on the collective understanding of First Nations' people
and cultures," said Co-Curator, Kwiaahwah Jones. "The works will challenge you to look at sexuality. They might make you laugh, blush, cry or even leave you hungry."

A variety of programming is planned including: storytelling, a brown
paper book club, a panel on the pornification of society, nude drawing
classes and burlesque.

The exhibition runs from September 25, 2013 through February 16, 2014.

RezErect was made possible by the generous support of: City of
Vancouver, British Columbia Arts Council and First Peoples' Cultural
Council.